Five games into the season, the boys basketball team has done more than win: they have made a statement. With a veteran core, elite shooting skill, and a coach with two decades of experience and leadership, the 5-0 start is not surprising. The team’s season is not all about winning; it is a story of connection, with a group that describes itself with one word — united.
The foundation for their undefeated run takes place at practice. For the preseason and the first two weeks of the regular season, practices are two hours. After that, practice ranges from 60-90 minutes, every weekday that there is not a game. There is occasionally a Saturday practice, but when there is a Friday game, players have the entire weekend and most of Monday before practice, providing a necessary break, mentally and physically.
Head Coach Joshua Kohn has always had a thoughtful routine for every practice, with a “quote of the day” and “thought of the day” for his players. One has an emphasis basketball-wise, while the other quote is relevant to both basketball and life. The tradition comes from his days playing Division I basketball at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where his coach started practice the same way.
“An example of a thought of the day is that in basketball, mental is to physical as four is to one,” Kohn said. “The mental part of the game is four times more important than the physical part.”
During warmups, the players memorize the quote and thought of the day. Afterwards, when they huddle up, Kohn asks a random player to repeat the messages and their meanings. If they mess up, the entire team has to run, adding accountability and focus to even the smallest details in practice.
Before home games, players gather in the locker room to share a team meal, with different families taking turns providing food. The tradition allows players to relax, bond and focus on the game ahead.
“We’re all friends, on and off the court,” senior Dean Vega said. “We hang out outside of basketball too, and we’re all kind of fun.”
The strong team chemistry extends into every aspect of their preparation, including studying film on their opponents — a crucial factor in the Huskies’ undefeated start that helps them prepare strategically before games.
That same environment allows younger players to step in with confidence. Although sophomore Ewan Winkler is the youngest member on the team, he fits in seamlessly, giving credit to the trust he has in his teammates. As a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he incorporates his faith into his daily life.
“I’m trying to be an example on and off the court, showing what it is like to be an athlete and Christian, and trying to live that life and show it to my teammates,” Winkler said.
Winkler’s experience reflects the team’s culture overall. Players have said they feel that everyone is there for one thing: to win. They are also all team players, wishing for the others to succeed. During close games or intense moments, they focus on staying in the right headspace.
“I think everybody has patience for each other, and they like each other, and it is not always like that,” Kohn said.
With four returning seniors, the team has been able to establish immediate consistency on the court. Kohn emphasized that experience cannot be taught and that it has been essential in guiding the younger players.
At the heart of that experience and leadership is senior point guard Asa Kohn. A four-year varsity starter, Asa is committed to play Division I basketball at the University of North Florida.
“My favorite memory coaching Asa was when the team won districts when he was a freshman; it was extra special that I was coaching the girls’ team that year, which my daughter was on, and they also won districts,” Kohn said.
The team has high expectations for the rest of the season, aiming to go to districts on Feb. 3 and go to regionals starting Feb. 14.
